establishing shot

American  

[ih-stab-li-shing shot] / ɪˈstæb lɪ ʃɪŋ ˈʃɒt /

noun

1. (in film and TV production) a scene-opening shot, usually very wide, that sets up the context for the scene.

   Opening a movie with an establishing shot of a city skyline was especially common in the sixties and seventies.

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Etymology

Origin of establishing shot

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

After all, what was the Army sergeant who profited off Maduro’s capture doing if not signaling the likelihood of a future outcome and establishing trust in the wisdom of Polymarket?

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

“The key to getting veterans off the streets is establishing trust, providing real services,” Fairweather said.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Giving large sums of money was a way of establishing trust and support.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2024

“My priority,” he said, “is establishing trust in a relationship.”

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2024

Todd did not go diving, leaving that work to a camera operator so he could concentrate on being present and establishing trust with his interview subjects.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2021